Nationwide Division One: Miller defies Fulham

INSPIRED GOALKEEPING by Kevin Miller denied pace-setters Fulham a win yesterday in a game which suggests Nigel Spackman's influence may already be having an effect at Oakwell.

Recently-installed as Barnsley's manager, Spackman knows he has a job on his hands to make the Tykes a powerful Division One side again.

The division's top scorer, Louis Saha, could have added to his tally as early as the second minute, heading straight at Miller from Bjarne Goldbaek's cross. Then Luis Boa Morte raced half the length of the pitch before hitting a post with Barnsley unable to contain their opponents.

The record books were in Barnsley's favour. They have won the last five home games between the sides and after surviving the early onslaught they started to impose themselves on the game.

Steve Hayward - a recent £50,000 signing from Fulham - impressed against his old team and with Neil Shipperley making a nuisance of himself in attack Barnsley started to cause problems.

The former Chelsea and Southampton striker had one fine effort saved by Maik Taylor and forced a succession of corners that unsettled the leaders. Boa Morte was unfortunate not to earn a penalty after having his heels clipped by Steve Chettle as he sped into the area.

Sean Davis thought he had scored after an hour when he headed Goldbaek's cross from point-blank range, but Miller made a superb save.

Goldbaek was causing all sorts of problems and substitute Karlheinz Reidler turned away in disbelief when his diving header was tipped over the bar.

Lee Jones almost stole the points for Barnsley with a 20-yard shot which went just wide. Then Reidler almost won it, cutting inside and firing towards the top corner only for Miller to save again.